They have all kinds of apples that come into season one after the other. Since we were apple-picking on the early side of the season, we got to pick some Paula Reds.
We got to the Paula Red section of the orchard and yep! Gorgeous ripe apples as far as the eye could see.
I wisely brought an apple picker with me who not only could reach the tall ones, but was willing to carry the peck-sized bag.
Which is a good thing to have, because a peck is a whole lotta apples. Which is also good, because we needed some for eating the regular way, along with having enough for our applesauce!
So once we got home with our peck of apples, it was time for the applesauce-making. Now, the single hardest part of making applesauce is the peeling and coring of the apples. I know, I know, there are those apple-peeling gizmos that you can get that will peel them for you, but in my kitchen it was just me and my paring knife and my Dinner Party Playlist on the Iphone to keep me company. I got into a nice rhythm…quarter the apple, pare out the core, pare off the skin, drop it in a bowl of water. Repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. Repeat.
Once you have your apples all peeled and quartered, drop them into a dutch oven with a cup of apple juice or cider, 1/2 cup of sugar, the juice of one lemon and a cinnamon stick. Stir all that around and bring it to a boil. Now lower the heat, cover the pot and simmer it for about 30 minutes until the apples are soft and falling apart.
At this point you can either just stir your applesauce vigorously with a wooden spoon (if you like it pretty chunky) or you can mash it with a potato masher (if you like it a little smoother). Let it cool in the pot, and try the first dish while it is still a little warm. You’ll be so happy!
Now sprinkle on some cinnamon sugar. You’ll be even happier!
Your applesauce will last a week or so in the fridge…that is, if it doesn’t get all eaten up in the first hour or so after you make it. Homemade applesauce is just THAT good. Give it a try – it’s apple season!
Ingredients
Directions
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Who needs jarred with a winner recipe like this? Nice strategy in bringing you PAP ( personal apple picker.)
PAP, I love it! I’m going to call him that all day today.
For smooth applesauce: I wash the apples and cut them in chunks into a heavy pot with a lid…no peeling, no coring If you like add one tablespoon of “red hot” candies and one quarter cup water or cider to the pot. Put on the lid and bring to a boil. Reduce the eat and simmer for twenty minutes. Use the Foley mill to puree the apples. half hour start to finish. Enjoy.
Yum! I don’t have a Foley food mill, but I bet my mom does!
I absolutely love homemade applesauce! But I’d never heard of Paula Red apples before. O_O You live….and you learn….and you look in your local store to see if you can find some Paula Red apples so that your education can be tastily complete! LOL
They are pretty scrumptious! But if you can’t find ‘em, I bet whatever your local market has will be just as good.
Paula Red Apples! That’s a new one for me as I never heard of them before. Learned something new already today. :}
Love applesauce. Great with pork chops.
I prepare my sauce in crockpot and just let it cook.
Oh, what a great apple picker you have there by the way.
Thanks 4 sharing your recipe. I will have to remember the cinnamon stick the next time I make some :}
ColleenB.
I’ve heard the crockpot is great for applesauce – I was too impatient to wait that long but a great idea!
Great recipe! Thanks for sharing. Have you ever jarred your apple sauce to stretch out the enjoyment? If so, any special jarring instructions?
Hi Joe – no, I’m sorry to say I’ve never gone the canning route…but someday I must figure it out since this applesauce would be such a welcome treat in February!
I have never gotten into canning either, but do you think it would keep well in the freezer?
You can definitely freeze it! If you divide it into freezer plastic bags you can defrost a serving or two at a time, too.
I’ve never tried to make applesauce but you’ve made it look so manageable!!! I’m so excited it’s apple season. I can’t wait to try this recipe
Oh, it is SO easy – you must!! Happy apple season.